Top Five Environmental Stories Of 2005

"As years go, 2005 ... well, it could have been better. Amidst the war, torture, terrorism, and spying, environmental concerns did occasionally pop into public view. Alas, your bold switch to LED "holiday" lights didn't get the widespread attention it deserved. Instead, David Roberts makes a list and checks it twice, and invites you to make your own nominations.

Among the top 5:

"5. Fuel prices and hybrids - A variety of factors and trends, many temporary, collided to produce spiking gas prices this year. That turned the nation's attention -- finally -- to the fuel efficiency of its automobiles. SUV sales fell and hybrids continued their remarkable success story... It became something close to conventional wisdom that all cars will eventually be hybrids."